Immunization - Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B infection spreads through infected secretions like salive, cuts, bruises, mother to child transmission and infected blood transfusion. If survived in blood for a long time, it may lead to liver cancer. Virus is highly infectious. In cases of chronic carriers, infection can lead to liver cancer and may even be fatal. Infact, vaccine against Hepatitis B was supposed to be the first vaccine to prevent against hepatocellular cancer. This vaccine is given in 3 doses at birth, 1 month and 6 months. If missed earlier can be given at any stage of life and the regimen remains same at 0,1 and 6 months respectively. Day 0 being considered as first day of immunisation. This vaccine does not carry any significant side effects.
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